Global consumer spending on media content and technology may have risen 4.4% in 2024 to $2.371 trillion, but the growth rate marks a continued slowdown after a surge in 2022. According to PQ Media’s latest report, Global Consumer Spending on Media Forecast 2025-2029, the pace of spending has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2023, growth hit 4.5%, down from the decade-high post-pandemic rebound in 2022. The report cites a steep drop in consumer confidence as a primary factor, with current levels approaching lows not seen since the early pandemic years.
PQ Media CEO Patrick Quinn expects this trend to continue into 2025, with discretionary spending likely to tighten further. He notes that broader political uncertainties, particularly those tied to the remainder of Donald Trump’s current term, could amplify the decline. As a result, households are becoming more cautious, pulling back on non-essential purchases—including digital subscriptions and new media technologies.
In 2024, global content spending climbed 8.1% to $1.075 trillion, while media-related tech spending rose a modest 1.4% to reach $1.296 trillion. Digital platforms remain the dominant force, with consumers spending $1.783 trillion on digital content and tech—a 5.7% increase over 2023. In contrast, traditional media formats saw minimal movement, growing just 0.6% to $588.56 billion. On average, global consumers spent $395.43 per person on media in 2024, with $297.29 going toward digital content and $98.14 toward traditional.
The United States continues to lead all markets, generating $544.18 billion in total media and tech spend. Still, PQ Media projects a more constrained environment ahead. From 2025 through 2029, growth is expected to continue slowing, especially as outdated formats such as CDs, DVDs, and MP3 players phase out. Even formerly booming categories like smartphones and tablets are beginning to flatten in terms of sales and user growth.
Adding pressure, international tariffs are dampening prospects across both advanced and emerging markets. These headwinds are especially impactful for hardware and digital delivery channels. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence—despite its potential—has not yet translated into measurable increases in consumer media use. While AI is optimizing how content is found and produced, it has yet to significantly boost time spent with media.